The 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in Proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. This coin, part of the American Women Quarters Program, honors the influential First Lady and diplomat, capturing the interest of both casual pocket-change checkers and dedicated numismatists looking for rare “S” mint marks.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Clad) | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Proof-70 (Deep Cameo Clad) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof-65 (Silver) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof-70 (Deep Cameo Silver) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
| PR-70 Mint Error (Rare) | $100.00+ |
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Eleanor Roosevelt Quarter
If you have found a 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt quarter with an “S” mint mark, you have something special compared to the usual coins from Philadelphia or Denver. The San Francisco Mint primarily produces “Proof” coins intended for collectors, meaning these quarters were never meant to be spent in a grocery store. If you are unsure if your coin is a standard strike or a special proof, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the finish and the mint mark with precision.
The 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter comes in two distinct compositions: Copper-Nickel Clad and 99.9% Fine Silver. Unlike the quarters in your pocket, these were sold in sets directly from the U.S. Mint. Because they weren’t released for general circulation, their value remains higher than the face value of 25 cents. Most Americans find these after a collector has spent them by mistake, or when inheriting a collection.
Identifying the specific 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt quarter worth and variety involves looking closely at the field (the flat background). Proof coins have a mirror-like surface and a frosted design, making Eleanor Roosevelt’s portrait stand out. If you suspect your coin is one of these “S” mint versions, it is wise to use the CoinKnow app to log the find and compare it with recent auction sales.
Technical Specifications and Design Details
The reverse of this 2023 quarter features Eleanor Roosevelt and the text from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It depicts the First Lady against a backdrop that symbolizes help and hope. On the obverse, you will find the right-facing portrait of George Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932. This design is common to all coins in the American Women Quarters Program.
| Feature | Clad Version (“S”) | Silver Version (“S”) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.67 grams | 6.34 grams |
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel Clad | 99.9% Silver |
| Edge | Reeded (Copper stripe visible) | Reeded (Solid Silver edge) |
The “S” mint mark is the key identifier for these items. While most 2023 quarters feature the “P” or “D” mark, the “S” variant is far more limited. If your coin has a shiny, liquid-metal look on the background, it is a Proof strike. Knowing the difference is essential, as the silver versions carry an inherent melt value that the copper-nickel versions do not. Even though this isn’t a silver dime, tracking the 2023-P Roosevelt Dime value and strike quality can provide a broader context for how the U.S. Mint’s modern production is performing among collectors.
Determining the Grade and Condition
For a 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter to be worth more than a few dollars, it generally needs to be in “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) condition. This means there is a heavy contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted design. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a scale from 1 to 70. A PR70 (Proof 70) is considered a perfect coin, showing no scratches or fingerprints even under magnification.
Most 2023-S quarters you find will likely be PR68 or PR69. A PR70 can command a significant premium, especially if it is the silver version. When checking your coins at home, handle them only by the edges. Any fingerprint on a modern proof coin can permanently damage the surface, dropping its value immediately. If you are a beginner, the CoinKnow app offers helpful visual guides to help you estimate the grade of your latest finds.
Why Some 2023-S Quarters Sell for More
The rarity of the 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter comes from the specific sets they are sold in. The silver proofs are only available in the annual “Limited Edition Silver Proof Set” and the “Silver Proof Set.” Because these sets have a defined mintage limit, the number of coins available is much lower than the millions of “P” and “D” quarters produced for circulation.
Historical significance also plays a role. Eleanor Roosevelt remains one of the most respected figures in American history, making this specific design popular for “topical” collectors—those who collect coins featuring famous women or human rights themes. When demand for a specific design increases among these collectors, the price for high-grade “S” mint coins often spikes above the standard list price.
| Mintage Type | Approximate Mintage | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof (S) | ~450,000 | Uncommon |
| Silver Proof (S) | ~380,000 | Scarce |
| Circulating (P/D) | 500+ Million | Common |
How to Store and Sell Your 2023-S Quarters
If you discover a valuable 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt Women Quarter, storage is your first priority. Use PVC-free plastic coin flips or capsules to protect the delicate finish. Never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave hairline scratches on a proof surface that will be visible to a professional grader. For many Americans, using CoinKnow helps keep a digital inventory of their collection so they can track price fluctuations over time.
When it comes to selling, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for a quick sale, but they will usually offer wholesale prices (around 50-70% of market value). For high-grade PR70 coins, online auction platforms like eBay or GreatCollections often yield the highest prices. Always check the current silver spot price if you are selling a silver version, as that provides a “floor” for the coin’s value.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2023-S Eleanor Roosevelt quarter in my pocket change?
A: While it is extremely rare, it does happen. Usually, these are “impaired proofs” that someone accidentally spent. They are worth significantly less than a pristine proof kept in its original packaging but are still worth more than 25 cents to a collector.
Q: How can I tell if my 2023-S quarter is silver?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a sandwich-like copper stripe, it is a clad coin. If the edge is solid silver-white with no copper visible, and it weighs more than a standard quarter (6.34g vs 5.67g), it is likely the 99.9% fine silver version.
Q: Is there a 2023-S “Reverse Proof” Roosevelt quarter?
A: Yes, the U.S. Mint occasionally releases Reverse Proof sets where the background is frosted and the design is mirror-like. These are very rare and typically have a higher value than the standard “S” proof coins.
Q: What are some known errors for the 2023 Eleanor Roosevelt quarter?
A: Common errors to watch for on 2023 quarters include die chips (extra metal bumps), “die clashes” where parts of the opposite side’s design show through, and doubled dies. While not common on Proof “S” strikes, any error on an “S” mint coin is highly valuable.